RED NICHOLS - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED CO-SIGNED BY: MILTON H. BERGER - HFSID 34063

RED NICHOLS
The cornetist invites a handwriting expert to analyze this sample of his own, accompanied by a transmittal letter from publicity agent Milton Berger, "Mr. Coney Island."
Autograph Letter signed: "Red Nichols", 1 page, 8½x6¾ Hollywood, California, circa 1936. To "Miss Spencer" [Shirley Spencer], in full: "Would be more than pleased, to have you analyze my handwriting - Best wishes". Accompanied by typed letter signed: "Milton H. Berger", 1 page, 8½x11. Hollywood, 1936 October 14. To "Dear Miss Spencer", in full: "Enclosed is a sample of the handwriting of Red Nichols, the orchestra leader who is known as the father of 'swing'. At present on tour, he will return to New York in two months. Regards". RED NICHOLS (1905-1965) was a virtuoso cornetist and prolific recording artist, who was heard on over 4,000 records in the 1920s alone. He performed with Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Paul Whiteman, the Dorsey brothers, and many others, but was best known for leading his own ensemble. His group, best known as Red Nichols and the Five Pennies, used other names from time to time. Nichols' style was primarily Dixieland, but he adapted successfully to the Swing era. He was regularly featured on Bob Hope's radio program. The 1959 film The Five Pennies, starred Danny Kaye as Nichols. MILTON H. BERGER was a show business publicist representing Nichols and many others. He was called "Mr. Coney Island" for his long-time promotion of the amusement park. A section of Surf Avenue in Brooklyn was re-named Milton Berger Place by Mayor Giuliani. Shirley Spencer wrote a syndicated newspaper column, analyzing handwriting samples submitted to her. "Graphology", drawing personality profiles on the basis of handwriting, is still very much in use today, but peaked as a popular enthusiasm in the 1930s. Toned and creased. Edges lightly frayed. Corners worn. Otherwise, fine condition.